Church of the Immaculate Conception
Church of St. Patrick
Choosing the Wedding Date and Time
In choosing a date or day of the week for your wedding please be aware of the following. Weddings do not take place on a Sunday, on Good Friday, Holy Saturday or Christmas Day.
Wedding ceremonies in the churches of Ashbourne and Donaghmore are held at either 1pm, 1.30pm or 2pm. Couples should be mindful that other ceremonies may occur in the church that day and the priest may have other commitments, so it is important that we work to the scheduled time. It is also courteous to everyone who has arrived at a certain time if they are not kept waiting unduly for the ceremony to begin. The groom and groomsman should occupy the front seat at least fifteen minutes before the ceremony to enable the groom and priest to deal with any last-minute details.
At all times the sacredness of the church building should be respected. The addition of a red carpet in the church is allowed once insurance details have been provided and the carpet is removed once the ceremony is finished. You are asked not to interfere with any of the church furnishings including seats, notice boards or tables.
Music
It is important that the music organised for the occasion is appropriate to a church setting. The music should be discussed with the priest before it is signed off on by the church musicians. Good music plays an important part of your wedding celebration and there is a wide range suitable for your ceremony. Hymns rather than songs are sung in Church. There are good church musicians and singers in Ashbourne parish and surrounding area, and they will help you to ensure that the ceremony is both beautiful and prayerful. If you would like the parish to recommend some wedding musicians will be happy to do so. All musicians and singers are obliged to follow diocesan regulations regarding music in church.
Flowers and Photos
Flowers
Please let your florist know that flowers should never obscure the visibility of the altar or ambo. Two pedestals with flowers can be placed each side of the altar and the flower arrangement with the ‘trio’ of candles goes on a small table in front of the altar or to the side of the altar. Flowers that are placed within the Sanctuary will be considered a donation to the Church and must not be removed from the church after the wedding ceremony. For health and safety reasons, only battery-operated candles are allowed and must be taken away after the wedding ceremony. Flower arches need permission to be erected and should not be left in the church more than an hour after the ceremony. Sellotape/adhesives/tacks/nails may not be used to attach floral arrangements on church furnishings. Tie backs and ribbons must be used if attaching flowers to seats or windows. Florists are responsible for safety issues arising from their activity. Florists should supply their own equipment and ensure that it meets proper safety standards and taken home after use. Any spillages or leaks onto floors should be attended to.
Photographers and Video Personnel
The photographer and video person should introduce themselves to the priest before the ceremony begins. Each photographer should discuss beforehand his/her expectations with the priest. A discreet presence should be kept during the ceremony. The flash on cameras should be turned off as it is a distraction and the lighting in the church is more than adequate. Photographers should not delay the start or end of the ceremony. ‘Posing’ or ‘repeats’ during the ceremony are deemed inappropriate. Photographers should not enter the sanctuary area. Video recorders should be battery powered (i.e. no electric leads). For insurance reasons, no auxiliary lighting or scaffolding is permitted. Any tripod should be located on one spot and remain there for the ceremony. Group photographs may be taken outside the Church.
